A Port-a-Cath is a small central venous access port that is placed under the skin of the right-side chest area. It is attached to a catheter (a thin, flexible tube) that is threaded along a large vein into a place near the heart.
The procedure is performed under local anaesthetic. After the procedure, you will be able to go home with the Port-a-Cath on the same day, and the port can be left in place for weeks or months until you complete your treatment.
It is recommended for long-term treatments that require:
The benefits of having a Port-a-Cath in place include:
While a Port-a-Cath is generally very safe, there are still potential risks and complications.
Risks during insertion:
Complications after insertion:
You will be asked to lie down on your back and the intended site of insertion will be cleaned thoroughly with antiseptic fluid to sterilise the area.
Following that, a local anaesthetic is injected into the skin of the chest and neck to numb the area. After that, you should only feel slight pressure not pain during the procedure. Once the local anaesthetic has taken effect, two incisions will be made on the skin at your collarbone area and chest area. The catheter will be tunnelled from the chest incision towards the collarbone incision and then threaded along a large vein to a place near your heart. This will be guided by ultrasound.
The port will then be connected with the catheter and placed under the skin via the chest incision. After both incisions are stitched up, the procedure is completed. A chest X-ray is used to check the position of the Port-a-Cath.
For the first two weeks after the procedure, the insertion wounds will be dressed to help with the recovery. Extra care should be taken to keep the dressing dry and clean during this period.
At the end of the two weeks, if the stitches have not dissolved yet, they will be removed.
Our dedicated nurses will provide you with any assistance to help you care for your PICC.
After your skin is healed, the Port-a-Cath should feel like a little bump under your skin. While the port requires little maintenance, it will need to be:
Our dedicated team of doctors and nurses will give you detailed instructions and provide you with any assistance to help you care for your Port-a-Cath.
Once you have completed your treatment and no longer need the port, it is removed under local anaesthetic. A small cut will need to be made to remove it and the wound is stitched and dressed.
The information on the Centre For Clinical Haematology website is intended for educational use. It should not be considered or used as a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment from a qualified health professional.
We partner with major insurance providers in Singapore to streamline the financial process, allowing you to focus on what truly matters: your recovery. Contact our team for more information and support.
The CFCH team is committed to providing patient-centred care and comprehensive multidisciplinary support through every stage of your journey with us.
During your initial consultation, you'll meet our doctors who will listen to your concerns and begin your evaluation and recommend the necessary investigations required.
After diagnosis, we will plan your care, tailoring treatment options to your unique needs for the optimal outcome.
Throughout your treatment journey, we will provide a supportive environment to closely monitor your progress, ensuring your comfort and adjusting care as needed.
After treatment, we will continue to support you with a holistic approach to your recovery, to ensure that both your physical and mental wellbeing are looked after.
